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I was so excited when Joanna Goddard, editor of Bene Magazine and a design blogger for Cookie, agreed to divulge her top resources for fantastic affordable art.

I was even more thrilled when she sent in the following piece. Her recommendations are so exceptional–and affordable–that I jumped online and instantly snatched up a trio of fantastic photographs–for just over $100, including shipping.

So, break your credit cards out and get ready for a spectacular online art tour.

Heeeeere’s Joanna:

Joanna Goddard’s Favorite Affordable Art Sources

When I was a senior at the University of Michigan, my then-boyfriend would throw art-unveiling parties. He would commission paintings from local Detroit artists. Then he’d invite friends to his apartment for a cocktail party from 12 to 2am. (It was college, after all.) To set the mood, he’d play French pop music, serve gin and instruct all the guests to wear black. At the stroke of 1am, he would make a toast and dramatically pull off a cover-up black sheet to reveal his new painting.

It was fun and hilarious. I desperately wished I could collect art, too, but, alas, I worked at a coffee shop where I barely made enough to afford the coffee drinks I served. The art world seemed exclusive and expensive–even the paintings my boyfriend bought in Detroit cost hundreds of dollars each.

Luckily, after six years, I’ve grown older and wiser. Art has become more affordable than ever, and if you know where to look, you can find gorgeous collectible artwork for less than a Gap sweater.

Here’s a well-rounded group of pieces that would make any apartment feel pretty. Take a look…

Limited-Edition Photographs and Prints

This fall, New York gallerist Jen Bekman launched an online shop, where she offers gorgeous photographs and prints in editions of 200 for only $20! That is insanely inexpensive. Check out the photo above and the one at the beginning of this article, within a rapidly growing collection.

Watercolor

Marcel Dzama made this cheery print from watercolor and root beer. Isn’t it funny, whimsical and just a little spooky? Last year, McSweeney’s released a set of 32 Dzama prints for just $42–an amazing deal. Purchase your set on Amazon.

Concert Posters

Concert posters can be very cheap–and very cool. Find posters, like this rad Wilco print, for only $15 to $25, on designer Nate Duval’s website.

Polaroids and Prints

I’ve never been to Albuquerque, but doesn’t this photo make you want to go? Polaroids and prints by Matirose are just $20. E-mail her for details through her website.

Drawings

This evocative drawing on an old book page is $95, but seems worth the splurge. The artist is Olivia Jeffries, who lives in the UK and is energized by “earl gray tea” and “loud music.” Find her work here.

More Drawings

This funny little owl can be yours for a mere $12. Bernadette Sipkes, the New Zealand-based artist, is inspired by Marimekko and vintage wallpaper, and you can see those inspirations reflected in her drawings. Check out her etsy shop.

Nostalgic Photography

Artist Alicia Bock “strives to create photographs that evoke memories of our favorite days.” And who doesn’t love a lazy afternoon bike ride? Find this $35 photograph, plus other beauties, here.

Too Cute Print

Last but not least, do you remember this cuter-than-cute print on the cover of Domino a while back? It looked great in a white frame and captures the funny, whimsical, emotional side of being a girl. Just $35 here.

I hope you like these pieces. Good luck art shopping and hunting around these links — your apartment will thank you for it!

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FYI, Joanna lives in New York City’s West Village with a roommate, a trusty bike, and two sleepy kittens. If you want more of her wisdom and whims, you can also check out her personal, A Cup of Jo, which highlights contemporary art, photography, fashion, and design.

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